From renewing our gym membership to vowing to eat healthy, every year we make new resolutions to make our lives better. New year resolutions are basically commitments we make to ourselves. We reflect on the past year, retrospect, and re-evaluate our life choices to set new goals and future plans.
Undoubtedly, setting up some simple goals is a great way to start the year right. And with a renewed focus on the environment and conservation, it’s never too early to make resolutions to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are five simple resolutions you can make to your wardrobe greener and help planet Earth.
Repeat Outfits
Last year, it seemed like the stigma around fashion’s biggest faux pas (so called) was finally lifted–outfit repeating became a celebrated trend. Whether you were inspired by Princess Diana or took notes while watching Kate Winslet wear an older dress to the premier of Avatar: The Way of Water, there’s only one lesson to take away from watching our favourite celebrities re-wear clothes: there’s nothing wrong with it!
Next time you can’t find something to wear, don’t be afraid to select an old favourite. After all, you can always change up the styling to jazz up the look.
Look At The Label
The label in that pretty dress you bought that week? It tells you a lot. From washing instructions to fabric make up, knowing what your garment is made of helps you make more informed decisions. For example, linen is a natural, sustainable material that’s perfect for a Sri Lankan summer. Meanwhile polyester-based materials don’t decompose easily so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.
The next time you’re buying something, consider what it’s made of and how long it will last.
Wash Your Clothes Less
Confused? Don’t be! While cleaning is generally a great thing for your home and body, it might not be the best thing to put your clothes through. Don’t get us wrong–washing your clothes isn’t a bad thing, but most of us wash them more often than needed. Clothes and materials last longer if infrequently put them through the wringer. Moreover, it also saves on water.
PS. Did you know you only need to wash your jeans after a minimum of 5 wears?
Learn To Sew & Repair
For those of us who still haven’t mastered the needle and thread, it’s time for some YouTube tutorials. In 2023, make it a goal to learn to make basic clothing repairs to increase the longevity of your clothes. The next time something rips or breaks, you don’t have to throw it away. Learn how to repair your clothes and accessories to give them a new life.
If you’d rather not take on this additional task, you can always pay a professional to do the trick!
Donate What You Don’t Want
It seems like every season we give our wardrobe and home a makeover. While spring cleaning is a great way to declutter, it can also lead to a lot of stuff just ending up in the landfill. Donating your unwanted clothes or your children’s old toys to a good cause will help those in need along with the planet.
Beyond just your clothes and decor, this also applies to your electronics, kitchen wares, appliances, and more.